Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

UKEU Trade Agreement

Thursday 5 March 2020 · 6 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The United Kingdom has published its approach to negotiations with the European Union and seeks a free trade agreement based on precedent.
  • The UK government confirms that a deal is already secured with the EU, aiming for a Canada-style agreement while recognizing Australia's effective side deals with the EU.
  • The Secretary of State will soon address the House to lay out full terms for negotiations with Australia, Canada, Japan, and potentially the CPTPP.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Sarah Olney Lib Dem Richmond Park
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The MP is concerned about the impact of a potential trade deal with similar terms to Australia and the EU, noting that no such deal currently exists between Australia and the EU.

Question

What assessment has she made of the potential merits of a trade agreement with the EU on similar terms to the EU-Australia trade negotiations?

Answer from Conor Burns

The United Kingdom has published its approach to negotiations with the European Union, and the first round of talks is already under way. The UK seeks a free trade agreement based on precedent. This year we will recover our political and economic independence in full.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific merits of an Australia-style deal are not addressed directly.

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Q2 Sarah Olney Lib Dem Richmond Park
Brexit
Context

Following up on the initial question, the MP is concerned that if the UK cannot secure an agreement similar to Australia's deal with the EU, it might face a no-deal scenario.

Question

Given there is no deal between Australia and the EU, can the Government confirm whether they are happy to accept a no-deal situation between the UK and the EU?

Answer from Conor Burns

We already have a deal with the EU secured by the Prime Minister last year. We seek a Canada-style deal but recognize Australia trades effectively through side deals with the EU. Whatever happens, we will fully leave the EU and provide opportunities for global free trade.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific readiness for a no-deal situation is not directly addressed.

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Q3 Barry Gardiner Lab Brent West
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

Concerning the impact of potential trade deals on bilateral investment agreements suspended due to UK's membership in the EU, the MP seeks clarification on the government's stance.

Question

Can he confirm that under this Australia-style deal, all suspended bilateral investment agreements will come back into force and what assessment has been made of dispute proceedings?

Answer from Conor Burns

The shadow Secretary of State may be confused as this is a matter for questions to the Department for International Trade. The Cabinet Office handles EU negotiations, not this department.

Not addressed: The specific issue regarding bilateral investment agreements and disputes was completely avoided.

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Q4 Andrew Bridgen Con
Business & Trade
Context

Concerning the progress made in laying groundwork for a UK-Australia FTA and a timetable for negotiations, the MP seeks information.

Question

What progress has been made in laying the groundwork for a UK-Australia free trade agreement? Is there a timetable for commencement of those negotiations?

Answer from Conor Burns

This week we published proposals for the US deal. The Secretary of State leads on Australia, Canada, Japan, and potentially CPTPP. She will come to the House soon to lay out full terms of those negotiations.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific progress and timetable were not directly addressed; instead a general statement was made about future plans.

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Q5 Adam Afriyie Con
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

The MP is optimistic about the potential for trade with developing nations, especially Africa, to deliver economic benefits and mutual development.

Question

Does he agree that as we look out to the rest of the world post Brexit, it is trade with developing nations that will deliver jobs and prosperity?

Answer from Conor Burns

I agree. Free trade with Africa offers development opportunities, especially in science and technology expertise. It is a route to prosperity and lifting people out of poverty. The Government champions free trade worldwide.

Answered
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Q6 Matt Western Lab Warwick and Leamington
Brexit Business & Trade
Context

Concerned about the economic impact of a CETA-type deal with Europe, which is expected to hit the economy by 6.2%, the MP seeks to understand if other trade deals will compensate for this loss.

Question

Will future trade deals done with Japan, Australia, New Zealand and so on compensate for that huge loss to our economy from a CETA-type deal?

Answer from Conor Burns

We see these not as mutually exclusive. We are now independent, seeking FTAs globally with fast-growing economies, including opportunities to tap into the fastest-growing markets around the world.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific compensation from new trade deals was not directly addressed; instead a general statement about future possibilities was made.

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